Climate Protection in Nuremberg: Between Accounting, Monitoring and Ordinance

Climate Protection in Nuremberg: Between Accounting, Monitoring and Ordinance

Nuremberg is pursuing a concrete and transparent course in climate protection. The city has set clear goals: a climate-neutral municipal administration by 2035 and a climate-neutral city overall by 2040. In March 2026, several key decisions were made that reinforce this course. Particular highlights include the adoption of the Climate Advisory Board Ordinance, the presentation of the 2024 greenhouse gas inventory, and the evaluation of a possible relocation of the Katzwang Material Recovery Facility. These measures show how Nuremberg is implementing its climate goals at the municipal level, while strengthening both monitoring and participation.

The Climate Advisory Board Ordinance – A Milestone in Climate Policy

On March 18, 2026, Nuremberg's Environmental Committee adopted the Ordinance on the Climate Advisory Board (KliBS). The Climate Advisory Board is an independent body that accompanies the development and implementation of the city's climate protection strategy. Its tasks include critically constructive contributions to climate policy, advising the City Council and the administration, and acting as a multiplier within the city.

The adoption of the ordinance is a significant step toward making climate protection policy in Nuremberg more participatory and transparent. The ordinance clarifies the structure, rights and responsibilities of the committee, thereby ensuring the legitimacy and effectiveness of the Climate Advisory Board. The committee recommended the ordinance to the City Council, which subsequently adopted it. This decision underlines Nuremberg's commitment to an inclusive and forward-looking climate policy.

Greenhouse Gas Inventory 2024: Progress and Challenges

Another focus of the March session was the presentation of the updated 2024 greenhouse gas inventory for the entire city and the municipal administration. This inventory is a key instrument for target control and ensuring transparency in the climate protection process. The inventories were prepared by the Energieagentur Nordbayern GmbH and show the current status of the city's climate protection efforts.

The municipal administration has also developed a monitoring system that tracks the implementation of the 67 measures outlined in the Climate Protection Strategy. A status monitoring report was also presented on the measures adopted in 2023 to achieve a climate-neutral municipal administration. This monitoring shows what progress has been made and where further action is needed.

To ensure long-term climate neutrality, the city is also aiming to recalculate the 2035 climate protection scenario. In addition, the municipal administration has requested the budget for 2027 to finance the necessary measures. These inventories are not only an internal management tool but also an instrument for communication with the public and for building trust in climate policy.

Katzwang Material Recovery Facility: Relocation as a Solution for Capacity Constraints?

Another decision point was the evaluation of a relocation and expansion of the Katzwang Material Recovery Facility. The existing facility has already reached its capacity limits, making renovation measures necessary. In addition, an adjacent area lies fallow and could possibly be acquired and used as a material recovery facility.

The Nuremberg Waste Management Company (ASN) reported on the current status of the considerations. A relocation could not only increase capacities but also optimize the efficiency of the material recovery process. However, such projects are associated with high investment costs and long planning periods. In addition, environmental and neighborhood concerns must be taken into account. The decision on relocation is therefore expected to be made in the coming months.

Outlook: Climate Protection as a Central Area of Action

With the adoption of the Climate Advisory Board Ordinance, the updated 2024 greenhouse gas inventory, and the evaluation of the relocation of the Katzwang Material Recovery Facility, Nuremberg made it clear in March 2026 that climate protection remains a central area of action. The city is relying on transparency, monitoring and participation to achieve its climate goals by 2035 and 2040. The next steps – particularly the recalculation of the climate protection scenario and the decision on the relocation of the material recovery facility – will shape the further course of the city's climate policy.